Turpinia pomifera

Family: Staphyleaceae

What it is like

A fairly large tree. It grows 13 m high. The trunk is short and the crown is irregular. The bark is creamy brown and smooth but becomes cracked near the base with age. The leaves have an odd number of leaflets. They are opposite and in 2 rows. They are 9-20 cm long by 4-7 cm wide. They have irregular sharp teeth. The flowers are 6-8 mm across and greenish-white. They are in branched clusters in the upper axils of the leaves. The fruit is 2-5 cm across and pale yellowish green. They are round or with irregular lumps.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is a common under-storey tree in both evergreen and deciduous forest. In north Thailand it grows between 350-1,700 m above sea level. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Banchet, Bangkong, Bangkongan, Boldekim, Bonkeseru, Dieng-soh-kei, Dieng-soh-long-anthri, Gerenyong, Geretak, Gobarkhutla, Gong majaching, Janoki-jamun, Jonaki jam, Kabau bukit, Kathamari, Makok phraan, Margut, Mota-amari, Nagpat, Pani-leteku, Singnok, Takre shein, Thaisramphang, Thali

Synonyms

Turpinia latifolia Wall.; Turpinia laxiflora Ridl.;